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Why the controversy over drugs such as Ritalin, Dexedrine and other stimulants used in the treatment of ADHD?

An FDA warning accompanying such medications, related to the risk of heart problems and psychotic behavior, has fueled much concern, and not only among parents.

Critics say that these medicines, prescribed to an estimated 1 million adults and 2 million children in the U.S. alone, are at best overprescribed, and at worst unncessary.

Citing the difficulty of diagnosing the condition, even ADHD drug proponents urge a second opinion if there are any doubts about the severity of symptoms.

Doctors who have used the drugs with success, meanwhile, have expressed dismay that the new warnings would prejudice parents against the drugs, which in the past have been shown to be generally safe in children with ADHD.

Most, however, still urge a combination of both medication and behaviorial therapy to treat the disease.

ADHD Diet - An Effective Alternative?

Medical nutritionists, on the other hand, point to studies suggesting the effectiveness of dietary changes, or herbal, vitamin & mineral supplements, as part of a beneficial treatment plan.

More recently, a milk and gluten-free diet was reported to be beneficial in some cases, according to a study conducted in Norway, where scientists and parents have witnessed dramatic changes in behavior when milk, cheese and certain grains were removed from the daily diet.

More information about ADHD around the Web:

On the Web, learn more about treatment options for ADHD including a review of typical medications and their side effects, information on behavioral therapy, current research on the use of Omega 3 fatty acids and other dietary changes, along with reports on additional alternative treatments now being studied in the fight against ADHD ....

Medicating Kids: ADHD Drugs - PBS Frontline archive featuring a critical examination of the use of Ritalin, the process of determining proper dosage, how long Ritalin's effects last, and possible side effects, with related statistics.

ADHD Complementary and Alternative Treatments - Extensive summary of alternative treatments by the National Resource Center for AD/HD with information on the proven effectiveness of the Feingold Diet, nutritional supplements, chelation, thyroid treatment, behaviorial training, chiropractic and other therapies.

Nutritional & Dietary Treatments for ADHD - Discussions on research & studies showing the impact nutrition has on treating ADHD, including the effects of salicylates found in food, other possible sensitivities and allergies, vitamin & mineral deficiencies. Includes references and links to related articles.

Omega-3 fatty acids in ADHD and related neurodevelopmental disorders - Abstract from the Richardson 2006 research findings showing improvement in some ADHD children using Omega 3 with a call for further research and links to related studies.

ADHD — Treatment Through Behavior Therapy - Expert guide from the American Academy of Pediatrics with tips & advice on how to better relate to the child with ADHD, with tables illustrating behavior therapy & classroom management techniques, and links to related information on establishing and evaluating treatment plans & options.

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.